Monday, January 3, 2011

We all know that Roman Abramovich is known for his conspicuous consumption and this is no exception. You might think his purchases are insane, however, he can afford these insanely extravagant and expensive things. After all, he is currently the fourth richest person in Russia and the 50th richest person in the world, with an estimated fortune of $11.2 billion. Roman’s new 30,000 square foot mega mansion is located in London and is worth around $230,000,000.

From the Daily Mail:

Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has purchased all nine flats of a prime London block with Harvey Nichols and Harrods as their corner shops.

Spread across two stucco-fronted properties in Knightsbridge in London, the eight-bedroom building is expected to be worth up to £150million.

‘It looks as though it will be palatial,’ said a source familiar with the plans. ‘He wants a very plush interior in the style of high neoclassical Victoriana to match the exterior.

‘This is clearly a personal project, because men like him would normally hand such a massive undertaking to some upmarket interior design firm.

‘He’s going to be very hands-on and there will be nothing minimalist about his taste. Inside will be all cornices, thick pile carpeting and heavy drapery.’

The proposals, approved by Kensington and Chelsea council, should also prove more than adequate for Mr Abramovich, if his older five children do occasionally visit.

The development, over five storeys above ground and three basement levels, boasts a cinema/entertainment room, an indoor pool, steam room and sauna, as well as a children’s study and entertainment room.

All six family bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, as do the two guest rooms. In a linked mews development behind the main building, four flats above a multicar garage will be used as staff accommodation.

The total size is 30,000 sq feet, five times the area of a normal five-bedroomed family home.

The home is currently two adjoining townhouses, which were split into nine apartments in 1998.

Mr Abramovich has been buying up the individual flats over the years to convert the building into the single home, but did not change the exterior.